UNGA Roundup: Cuban Walkout, A Strange Playlist Before a Greenland Signing, and Calls to Tackle Transnational Crime

At the opening of the U.N. General Assembly, moments beyond the marquee speeches captured attention: former President Donald Trump spoke and conducted diplomatic meetings; the U.N. secretary-general delivered his final opening address; and developments related to Greenland signaled a shift in relations between Washington and Nuuk.

Notable Moments

Cuban Walkout and Reaction. The Cuban delegation left the chamber after President Donald Trump criticized Cuba, calling it a "failed" state. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez responded on X, denouncing the remarks as "falsehoods" and "slanders" and accusing U.S. policy — including what he called an economic blockade and an "energy siege" — of harming the Cuban people. Rodríguez described these measures as "an act of genocide and collective punishment," adding, "We are a country of peace and we deserve peace."

Peru's President Keiko Fujimori attends a meeting of the multinational political and security coalition "Shield of the Americas" on the sidelines the United Nations General Assembly, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026, at the UN headquarters. (Charly Triballeau/Pool Photo via AP)(Charly Triballeau/Pool AFP via AP)

An Unusual Pre-Signing Soundtrack. Ahead of a signing ceremony tied to an agreement that would allow the United States to expand its military presence in Greenland, aides and journalists heard an unexpected playlist on the U.N. grounds. A cover of Stephen Sondheim's "Send in the Clowns" played alongside Phil Collins' "One More Night," Foreigner's "I Wanna Know What Love Is," and, just before the leaders entered, Frank Sinatra's "My Way." The musical choices attracted bemused commentary as delegates awaited the ceremony.

South American Leaders Call for Stronger Action Against Organized Crime. Regional figures including Peruvian opposition leader Keiko Fujimori and Chilean President José Antonio Kast urged the United Nations to intensify efforts against transnational organized crime and to join forces in combatting groups they labeled as engaging in "terrorism." President Kast said recent measures have contributed to an 11.5% reduction in the homicide rate over the past six months, while cautioning that further work is needed.

Finland's President Alexander Stubb is applauded while speaking during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly at United Nations headquarters, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)(AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Gaza, Ceasefire Mediation and Diplomatic Warnings. Qatar's Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, accused some Israeli leaders of "openly advocating the displacement of Gaza's population," warning that such a policy would undermine efforts to improve conditions for Palestinians. He urged Israel to halt operations, withdraw from Gaza and lift the blockade, and noted Qatar's diplomatic role — alongside Egypt and the United States — in mediating ceasefire efforts and pressing for implementation.

Personal Notes From the Podium. Finland's President Alexander Stubb paid public tribute to Ambassador Elena Kalku, honoring her "wonderful 44-year career" in diplomacy ahead of her retirement at the end of the month. Kalku sat behind Stubb during his remarks, and he closed with a light-hearted quip about whether the appearance would be "the low point or the high point of her career."

Other threads at the assembly underscored the mix of theatrical, personal and geopolitical moments that often characterize these gatherings — from music choices and walkouts to debates over security and humanitarian concerns.

All quotes are reported as stated by participants and delegates. The article summarizes key moments from the General Assembly session and related diplomatic activity on the U.N. grounds.